• BLUE HILLS' BLACK HOPS, on the other hand, falls on the maltier side of the spectrum. Still an easy drinker though.

• ELEMENT BREWING, a nanobrewery out of western Massachusetts, interestingly refers to their CDA as a cross between a Schwarzbier and IPA. DARK ELEMENT is dark and complex, with both sweetness and bitterness emerging throughout. Best to take your time with this one; you can drink it near-room temperature.

• NEWPORT STORM'S '10 special release would also have to be considered a Cascadian Dark Ale. As mentioned in this column a few weeks ago, this big beer is definitely worth seeking out.